Avalanche Game 64 vs Toronto Maple Leafs: New-Look Lineup, Lines, Notes & How to Watch

The Colorado Avalanche (37-24-2) continue their six-game homestand against the Toronto Maple Leafs (38-21-3). Puck drop is scheduled for 5:20 p.m. MT.

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The Avalanche’s lineup has changed immensely during this four-game winning streak and there could be up to three new additions tonight.

Brock Nelson practiced with Valeri Nichushkin and Jonathan Drouin on Friday and will slot in as the No. 2. Charlie Coyle, who was acquired for Casey Mittelstadt, is expected to take over 3C duties. And if the Avs decide to dress Erik Johnson, he’ll slot in as the third right-shot defenseman either with Samuel Girard or Ryan Lindgren.

The entire lineup isn’t necessarily figured out just yet. Without a morning skate, we haven’t gotten any confirmation from Jared Bednar on which of his 14 forwards and eight defensemen are going to sit. I’d wager a guess that Jimmy Vesey will come out of the lineup, joining Miles Wood as a healthy scratch. That means Parker Kelly would remain on the fourth line as a winger with Jack Drury up the middle.

I’m not entirely sure if Johnson plays, especially without getting a practice day in first. Johnson hasn’t played for the Flyers since Feb. 8. He’s been healthy scratched quite often this year. I don’t have him slotted in, but that’s not by any means set in stone. Both Keaton Middleton and Sam Malinski are options if Johnson isn’t in the lineup.

The Avs are coming off a 7-3 victory over the last-place San Jose Sharks. Colorado let in two goals in the third period, which is one-third of the total six goals surrendered in the first four games of this hometand. The offense has also taken off, scoring 21 goals in four games. The additions of Nelson and Coyle are only going to add to that.

With Minnesota losing on Friday, the Avs are now in possession of third place in the Central Division. They are eight points behind the Dallas Stars for home-ice advantage in the first round.

READ MORE: Avalanche Acquire Charlie Coyle for Casey Mittelstadt

Toronto was busy on deadline day, acquiring center Scott Laughton and defenseman Brandon Carlo. The Leafs also won’t have a morning skate given the early puck drop, so there won’t be any lineup confirmations until we hear from head coach Craig Berube before puck drop.

The Leafs practiced at DU on Friday and have had a full day to prepare for the Avs and adjust to the altitude. I wouldn’t be surprised if Coyle and Carlo — longtime teammates who will face each other tonight — were on the same flight to Denver to join their new respective clubs.

Toronto continues to push for the top seed in the Atlantic division. If Berube’s club manages a win tonight, they’ll tie the Florida Panthers for first, albeit the reigning Cup champions still hold the regulation wins tiebreaker. The Tampa Bay Lightning are also hot on their tails for the No. 2 seed.

It’s safe to say that both the Avs and Leafs have a lot to play for.

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